C5I-AGRICULTURE (NOTES)

Q.) What kind of an activity is agriculture? What all does it include?
(Ans) Agriculture is a primary activity. It includes growing crops, fruits, vegetables, flowers and rearing livestock.



(Q.) What has made it possible to grow rice in areas of less rain, like Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan?
(Ans) Development of canal irrigation and tube wells have made possible to grow rice in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.



Q. On what bases is the division of types of farming done?
(Ans) The division of types of farming done on the basis of the geographical conditions, demand of produce, labour and level of technology.



(Q.) What is shifting cultivation?
(Ans) In shifting cultivation a plot of land is cleared by felling the trees and burning them. This cleared plot of land is cultivated till it is fertile. When the soil loses its fertility, the land is abandoned and the cultivator moves to a new plot of land.



(Q.) Explain the process of commercial farming.
(Ans) In commercial farming, crops are grown and animals are reared for sale in the market. The area cultivated and the amount of capital used is large. Most of the work is done by machines.



(Q.) What is the process of Plantation Farming? Which are the main crops grown in this type of farming?
(Ans) Plantation is a type of agriculture where large amount of labour and capital are required and the produce may be processed on the farm itself or in nearby factories.The main crops grown in this type of farming are tea, coffee, sugarcane, cashew, rubber, banana or cotton.



(Q.) State the conditions of good growth of wheat. Which countries are the major producers?
(Ans) Wheat requires moderate temperature and rainfall during growing and bright sunshine at the time of harvest. It grows well on well-drained loamy soil. The major producers of wheat are USA, Canada, Argentina, Russia, Ukraine, Australia and India.



(Q.) Which are the major food crops? What are the conditions required to grow them?
(Ans) The major food crops are wheat, rice, maize and millets. Rice needs high temperature, high humidity and rainfall. It grows best in alluvial clayey soil, which can retain water.
Wheat requires moderate temperature and rainfall during growing season and bright sunshine at the time of harvest. It thrives best in well-drained loamy soil.
Maize requires moderate temperature, rainfall and lots of sunshine. It needs well-drained fertile soils.Millets include jowar, bajra and ragi. They are also known as coarse grains and can be grown on less fertile and sandy soils. It is a hardy crop that needs low rainfall and high to moderate temperature and adequate rainfall.



(Q.) Which is an important beverage crop of India and specify the geographical conditions required for its growth.
(Ans) Tea is an important beverage crop.
Geographical conditions required are as follows:-
(a) Tea plant grows well in tropical and sub-tropical climates. Tea bushes require warm and moist for climate throughout the year.
(b) Deep and well drained fertile soil – rich in humous and organic matter.
(c) Frequent showers evenly distributed over the year ensure continous growth of tender leaves.



(Q.) Describe the geographical conditions required for the growth of rice.
(Ans) It is a kharif crop, which requires – (a)High temperature – above 15. C and high humidity. (b)Rainfall – Annual rainfall above 100cms. In areas of less rainfall, it grows with the help of irrigation. (c)Plains of North and North-eastern India, coastal areas and deltaic regions are suitable for the growth of rice.